Sheriff Department reminder: many IRS scams during tax time

Reminder from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office:

As the tax deadline nears, many IRS impostors attempt to take advantage of people at this time. Criminals are looking for ways to steal your money or your identity. Don’t fall victim to an IRS scam.

Your first contact with the IRS will not be an unexpected call from an IRS agent, but through official correspondence sent through the mail. A red flag for IRS scams are threatening, angry calls from people who say they are from the IRS and they demand immediate payment.

Some things that the IRS impostors do that the IRS will not do.
· Call and demand immediate payment.
· Will not call about taxes owed without having first mailed you a bill.
· The IRS will not demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe.
· The IRS will not require you use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card, nor will they ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
· The IRS will not threaten to have you arrested for not paying.

For more information please visit: website www.tigta.gov

Or contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration @ telephone: 800-366-4484

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.